The United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela's embattled President Nicolas Maduro. On Friday, US President Donald Trump threatened that his country could intervene militarily in Venezuela, in an unexpected escalation of the United State's response to the political climate in Caracas.
The US wants Maduro to restore democracy in Venezuela
The political crisis in Venezuela appears to grow more volatile. Forces opposed to the rule of Nicolas Maduro have even looted weapons from a military base. The protests were sparked by President Maduro's decision to institute a new legislative assembly, usurping the powers of the country's Congress, which is controlled by the opposition.
Speaking to Journalists during an impromptu question and answer press conference, President Trump said that the people of Venezuela are suffering, and some are dying. Trump added that Washington is considering several options to intervene in Venezuela, one of them being military action should its need arise. Trump's comments have sent shockwaves in Venezuela, with Vladimir Paduro, the country's Defense Minister terming them as an act of craziness.
The White House said that on Friday Nicolas Maduro requested to hold a phone conversation with President Trump. However, his request seems to have been ignored, with the White House stating that Trump would only consider talking to Maduro once democracy is restored in Venezuela.
Maduro and his loyalists have long claimed that the United States is planning to invade the Socialist state. Earlier this years, a former Venezuelan military official told Reuters that anti-aircraft missiles had been installed along the country's coast, in preparation for the expected US invasion.
The Pentagon has said that The United States military is prepared to support efforts to secure US citizens and other American interests in Venezuela.
However, US military officials have denied accusations that they are planning an invasion.
Maduro loves Trump's threats
However, Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska has criticized Trump's threat to Venezuela. Senator Sasse, a member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, said that Congress does not plan to authorize a US-led war in Venezuela.
Some experts say that Trump's aggressive comments could work in Maduro's favor, helping the leader to boost his standing as Venezuela's defender.
President Trump's threats to Nicolas Maduro came in a week where the Republican has warned North Korea of decisive action should Kim Jong-un's government threaten Washington or its allies.
